Trade Facilitation: US Chamber, American Businesses Hail Customs Reforms, PEBEC Top Ranking

By Stella Okocha

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed commitment to modern, transparent and business-friendly operations as it deepened bilateral relations with the US Chamber of Commerce, US-Africa Business Centre and American Business Council.

The engagement, held at the quarterly meeting in NCS Headquarters ICT Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja, on October 28, 2026, focused on strengthening economic cooperation, easing cargo clearance and boosting investor confidence.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the Service is building a responsive Customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring revenue collection, border security and compliance.

“Our objective is to build a modern, transparent, and responsive Customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” Niagwan said, delivering the CGC’s message.

She said predictable procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution mechanisms are essential to improving ease of doing business and enhancing investor confidence.

She added that the meeting offered opportunity to exchange perspectives, address emerging concerns and strengthen partnership with American businesses operating in or seeking investment in Nigeria.

Giving insight into modernization drive, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, disclosed automation of licence and permit applications, planned deployment of 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports and border stations, and transition to paperless processes.

He urged business community to provide feedback to help identify challenges and improve service delivery.

President of US-Africa Business Centre at US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, applauded NCS for contributions to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that its work often goes unnoticed when operations run smoothly.

“When Customs works well, when trade is facilitated, people are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Gaither said.

She said effective Customs operations remain critical to advancing investment in agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare and digital economy.

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, commended NCS for progress in trade facilitation, transparency and stakeholder engagement, and congratulated Service on emergence as top-ranked agency in Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Compliance Assessment.

Olele said Council has seen improvements in Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, Programme, Advance Rulings and dispute resolution, noting that quarterly engagements have helped resolve longstanding business challenges.